2003 Mercedes-Benz E-Class reviews
and buying guide.
2003
Mercedes-Benz E-Class resources:
2003 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
The 2003 Mercedes E-Class has three members; the E320
Sedan, the E320 Wagon and the E500 Sedan, pushed by
a high-powered 5-liter V8. This series has a similar
engine profile to the C300 series, in that 3.2-liter
engines are common. However, the E-Class cars have slightly
larger dimensions and engines that are slightly more
powerful, with 6 more hp and 11 more lb-ft of torque.
But, the real difference between these two classes of
car is in their levels of standard interior amenities
and performance-enhancing technologies.
The E320 Wagon is distinct in this class in that it
has optional all-wheel drive 4MATIC, a sophisticated
and new Mercedes innovation that turns it into a capable
and credible alternative for those with an eye toward
the SUV segment for their own preferences. The E-Class
cars are serious and competitive entries to the luxury
car segment.
Under the Hood
E-Class offer a choice of either a 3.2-liter V6 or
the 5.0-liter V8 in the E500. At 302 hp at 5600rpm,
and with a beefy 339 lb-ft of torque found between 2700
and 4250 rpm, the 5-liter is a 24-valvesohc die-cast
alloy dynamo, generous with power at any speed. ME 2.8
engine management maximizes response and the electronic
throttle with adaptive acceleration means that a fast
pressing of the accelerator will be answered by a surge
of power.The two C320 models have 221hp at 5600rpm and
232lb-ft of torque found between 3000 and 4800rpm. However,
power and engine size aside, as far as technology is
concerned, these two cars share the innovations of the
more powerful E500.
The driver-adaptive electronic 5-speed automatic Touch
Shift transmission adds to the driving experience as
it conveys the ability to manually downshift orupshift
by nudging the shift lever to the left or right from
the Drive position. Further control and performance
technology includes Optimum Gear programming that allows
one-touch selection of the best gear for maximum acceleration
by holding the shift lever to the left of Drive for
one second while a driver-selectable winter mode starts
vehicle moving in 2nd gear or a second Reverse gear
to help improve takeoff on slippery surfaces.
All C-Class cars have antilock brakes with Brake Assist
and the Electronic Stability Program antiskid/traction
control system. Eight airbags include dual front, side
impact and head protection systems.
Standard Features, Options Packages
and Style
The features and options available for the E-Class
are simply luxurious. Highlights of the interior amenities
include Keyless Go and Drive-Dynamic 10-way power front
bucket seats, automatic climate control, navigation
system, AM/FM/CD player with controls on the leather-wrapped
steering wheel, and options like the cruise control
with a "Distronic" radar system that maintains
a constant distance between you and the car in front!).
In short, E-Class means luxury and performance, without
restraint.
2009 Mercedes Pricing:
2009 Mercedes-benz E-class car prices - dealer cost
2010 Pricing:
2010 Mercedes-benz E-class car prices - dealer cost
| 
